India vs the world: 10 indicators, ranked
First in population, third in total CO₂ emissions, sixth in GDP – but 166th in GDP per person. India's ranks from our Data Atlas.
Numbers make the best Mains introductions. Here is where India stands on ten indicators in our Data Atlas, using the latest year available for each country. Rank 1 is the highest value.
| Indicator | India | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1.44 billion | 2023 | 1 of 238 |
| GDP size | $3,909 bn | 2025 | 6 of 196 |
| Total CO₂ emissions | 3.19 billion tonnes | 2024 | 3 of 216 |
| GDP growth | 7.8% | 2025 | 15 of 196 |
| Population density | 492.4 people per km² | 2025 | 27 of 233 |
| GDP per person (US$) | $2,702 | 2025 | 166 of 213 |
| Life expectancy | 72.0 years | 2023 | 153 of 237 |
| Literacy | 81.7% | 2023 | 127 of 180 |
| HDI | 0.69 | 2023 | 131 of 193 |
| Renewable power share | 19.8% | 2024 | 130 of 214 |
Rank 1 = highest value · Source: UPSCPrep Data Atlas
What stands out
- Scale: first in population (1.44 billion), sixth in GDP ($3,909 bn) and third in total CO₂ emissions (3.19 billion tonnes).
- Speed: 7.8% GDP growth puts India 15th of 196.
- Per head: GDP per person ($2,702) ranks 166th of 213 – the gap between size and individual income.
- Human development: life expectancy of 72.0 years (153rd), literacy of 81.7% (127th) and an HDI of 0.69 (131st).
- Energy: renewables supply 19.8% of electricity, 130th of 214.
UPSC angle
Use the pairs – big total, small per-head figure – to frame answers on growth versus development, demographic dividend and climate responsibility. Each indicator links to its full table in the Atlas.